Teachings from the Hedgehog and the Lotus

"...I invite anyone who chooses to do so, to take a natural object...and contemplate what that natural object tells you about how to bring your intention forward into 2010." (That was Raffi guiding our storytelling circle through the circle's closing.)

So I looked at the collection of husks, twigs, berries, and seed pods lying on the paper. And for some reason, I was drawn to an unassuming little half of a seed-pod. It kind of reminded me of a hedgehog, the way the pod's fuzzy little spines blossomed out. By chance, I flipped the pod over and was delighted to see what looked like a blooming lotus on the back!

I sat with the two sides to my natural object - the Hedgehog and the Lotus...the Outer and the Inner. What follows are the teachings they imparted:

THE HEDGEHOG
Hedgehogs make me think of Numo the Hedgehog, which makes me think of Brandy Agerbeck. I am in love with Brandy Agerbeck. (Well, not "in LOVE" with her, but you know what I mean...) Brandy is a graphic facilitation goddess and otherwise totally awesome energy who embodies what I want to do with my life: make a good living doing what I love in an amazingly authentic way. (Check out her website to see what I mean!) Completely and authentically herself, creative and wild, inspiring, self sufficient, talented, skilled and skillful, in demand, wonderfully fun and quirky, accessible and easy to find. That chick manifests much of what I want to create for my life. Or perhaps "unleash" would be the better word.

And no, I've never actually met her. She's still my hero.

My Hedgehog tells me:
- Somewhere out there are people who didn't/don't realize just how happy they would be to discover someone like you even exists in the world!
- People need to be able to find you to be able to connect with you and work with you in amazing ways. Put yourself out there and make yourself available.
- Quills down, please. When you're tense or feeling defensive, your quills come up. Your quills go down when you relax. Try having your tummy stroked...it's a surefire way to chill out a hedgehog! Mmmm...strokey tummy...
- You are not like other people. Don't try to be. Be who you are...with relish! Go singing forth into the new year as yourself, and prepare to be amazed at what comes to you.

THE LOTUS
The lotus is radiating outward, blossoming, and looks almost like a crown. There's a wee dot at the bottom center, like the jewel in the lotus. Its design is balanced and beautiful, it smells wonderful, seeing it inspires the soul. It's delicate and strong at the same time--resilient, growing from mud and in mud. The lotus is more than the sum of its petals radiating upward--it is pure, powerful, and connected.

My Lotus tells me:
Radiating upward from the jewel in the center, the lotus frames my spirit and light. Completely and utterly herself, my spirit manifests in this world through my creativity, joy, and works, making me widely accessible and easy to find. I get to do what I love, live a wonderful life, and earn a good living doing it!

Or, in other words: Let it Shine.

I think 2010 is going to be a very good year...

Advice from an Economic Hit Man

It seems as though when life removes one thing, it's really making space for another to come in.

In this case, it may be a consulting partnership. Or facilitation partnership. Or whatever we decide to call ourselves.

Things are still in the "exploration" phase, so I'll stay somewhat cryptic. But talk about taking an imperfect action. This is a situation where I hope things will turn out well, but there are many hopes and fears swirling about. Mostly fears about me screwing things up. Nothing like a skillful upbringing to instill a healthy dose of self-confidence in a kid, huh? : )

I mean, seriously!!! My possible partner and I talked about our hopes and fears for this project, and not only are they very similar, but as the conversation unfolded we got to see just how compatible and complimentary we are for each other in this kind of a venture. And yet, I can sit here at my keyboard and think "oh man, I hope he doesn't think I'm an idiot" or "oh man, I hope I don't do something stupid to screw this up!"

I just recently finished reading John Perkins' "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man." (Very cool book, by the way...I recommend it!) Anyway, in this book--amongst all the stories of shady deals and sabotaging developing countries--John shares a life view he learned from a Shuar Shaman in Ecuador: "the world is as you dream it."

So here is yet again another reminder from wherever the reminders come from - I create my world. What I think manifests through my actions and creates my reality. What I fear does the same. With this possible partnership opportunity, I can create a bitchin' camero reality...or I can hide in a closet and hope it will all work out okay. I'd rather have a bitchin' camero.

We'll see how it works out!